U.S. Constitution and Government

Flashcards covering key concepts about the U.S. Constitution and government.

How does the U.S. Constitution limit government powers?

Through separation of powers, checks and balances, individual rights, rule of law, and due process.

What is the Legislative Branch's main power?

Power to make laws (Congress).

What is the Executive Branch's main power?

Power to carry out and enforce laws (President).

What is the Judicial Branch's main power?

Power to interpret laws and decide cases (Supreme Court).

Give an example of Checks and Balances.

Congress can pass laws, but the President must approve them.

What are the key principles of the Rule of Law?

Accountability, consistent application, decisions based on law, fair procedures, and transparency.

What are Amendments?

Changes or additions to the Constitution.

Define federalists.

Supported ratification of the U.S. Constitution and favored a stronger national government.

Define Anti-Federalists.

Opposed ratification of the U.S. Constitution and feared a strong national government.

Define Bill of Rights.

The first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution.

What does following the Rule of Law mean?

All citizens, including lawmakers and police, are subject to the same laws.

Define arbitrary.

Random; based on chance rather than reason or law.

How did Ancient Greece influence America's constitutional republic?

Through concepts like civic participation, legislative bodies, and written constitutions.

How did Ancient Rome influence America's constitutional republic?

Through concepts like civic participation, republicanism, and representative government.

What are the ethical ideals of the Judeo-Christian Tradition?

Individual worth, personal responsibility, and the rule of law.

What is civic participation?

Being involved in government processes to voice your opinion or help others.

What is democracy?

Rule by the people; includes civic participation and voting rights.

Define personal responsibility.

The act of taking full accountability for one’s actions, decisions, and thoughts

What is a written constitution?

The principles and laws of a nation that determine the structure and powers of government; written out for all to see.

What principles are contained in the founding documents?

Due process of law, equality of mankind, limited government, natural rights, the rule of law.

Define equality of mankind.

All mankind should be treated fairly and equally

What is religious liberty?

The free right of adopting and enjoying opinions on religious subjects.

How did the Magna Carta influence colonists?

It introduced ideas of due process of law, limited government, and the right to a fair trial.

How did the Mayflower Compact influence colonists?

It introduced ideas of consent of the governed and self-government.

How did the English Bill of Rights influence colonists?

It introduced ideas of limited government and the right to life, liberty, and property.

How did Common Sense influence colonists?

It promoted the idea of representative self-government and independence from England.

What are natural rights?

Rights you are born with (life, liberty, property)

What Enlightenment ideas influenced the Founding Fathers?

Montesquieu’s view of separation of powers and John Locke’s theories related to natural law and social contract.

How did Montesquieu’s theory influence the Founding Fathers?

Adopted the theory of separation of powers in the U.S. Constitution.

How did John Locke’s theory influence the Founding Fathers?

Believed that England's government failed to protect their rights, and it was their right to revolt and institute a new government to protect their rights (social contract).

Define liberties.

A right to engage in certain actions without control or interference by a government or other power.

How can one become a U.S. citizen?

Through birth (law of blood or law of soil) or naturalization.

What is naturalization?

Process by which someone who does not have U.S. citizenship at birth becomes a U.S. citizen.

Distinguish between obligations and responsibilities of U.S. citizenship.

Obligations are required by law, while responsibilities are actions citizens should take for the common good.

What are examples of obligations?

Obeying the law, paying taxes, registering with Selective Service, and serving on juries.

What are examples of responsibilities?

Being informed, voting in elections, running for political office, and volunteering for local public service projects.

What are the rights in the Bill of Rights?

The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, including freedoms of speech, religion, and assembly.

What are some additional amendments that influenced individual actions and social interactions?

13th (abolished slavery), 14th (citizenship rights), 15th(right to vote), 19th (women's suffrage), 24th (abolished poll taxes), 26th (lowered voting age to 18)

How do the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights safeguard individual rights?

By establishing a system that protects individual rights and limits the powers of the federal government.

When can rights be limited?

Rights are not absolute, they can be limited in certain situations such as during wartime.

What is the role of juries in the administration of justice?

To ensure a fair trial with an impartial group of fellow citizens.

Name two types of juries?

grand juries: decide if there is enough evidence, petit jury: decides guilty or innocence

What are the requirements to vote in Florida?

Be a U.S. citizen, a Florida resident, at least 18 years old, and provide a government ID.

What are the steps to the presidency?

Party nomination, primaries/caucuses, national convention, election campaigns, general election, and inauguration/oath of office.

What are 3 qualifications to be U.S. Senator?

at least 30 years old, U.S. citizen for 9 years, live in the state they represent

Name two Republican political parties.

founded in the 1850s by anti-slavery Americans and Abraham Lincoln opposed the spread of slavery in western territories

Name two qualities of the Democratic political parties.

founded in 1828 by Andrew Jackson and represented “common man”-average citizen.

What are qualifications to be President?

U.S. citizen by birth, at least 35 years old, and U.S. resident for at least 14 years before taking office.

What are some examples of individuals monitoring, holding accountable and influencing the government?

attending civic meetings, peacefully protesting, voting, and running for office

How do interest groups monitor and influence the government?

By lobbying, campaigning, and through litigation.

How does the media influence the government?

By informing citizens, holding government officials accountable, and acting as a watchdog.

Define interest group.

A group of individuals with common interests who seek to influence public policy.

What is symbolism?

The use of symbols to signify ideas and qualities by giving them symbolic meanings that are different from their literal sense.

What are some methods of media and political communication?

opinions disguised as facts, Glittering Generalities, Bandwagon

How to address a state or local problem?

By researching public policy alternatives, identifying appropriate government agencies, and determining a course of action.

What are the steps in public policy process?

Steps in public policy process- Identify a state or local problem, Conduct research, evaluate alternatives, Identify the appropriate level of government, Determine course of action